Episcopal Relief & Development responding to floods in Kerala, India

Episcopal Relief & Development is responding to the critical needs of people impacted by the worst floods to hit Kerala, India in a century. The devastating floods began with torrential downpours on August 8 in the southern state.

Working with the ACT Alliance through CASA, Episcopal Relief & Development’s support is part of a multi-agency response providing emergency supplies such as food, temporary shelter, hygiene kits, water storage containers, water purifiers and agricultural seeds for 4,000 vulnerable families.

As of August 20, approximately 350 people have died in the rising waters and landslides, and more than 700,000 are displaced in overcrowded relief camps around the region. According to state authorities, Kerala usually receives high rainfall. This year, between August 8 and August 15, the flood-hit state has seen over 250 percent more rain than normal.

“Our hearts go out to all of the people affected by the floods. We will continue to support these communities and keep them in our prayers,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Disaster Response and Risk Reduction for Episcopal Relief & Development.